A woman has gone viral after claiming an e-hailing driver refused to speak English to her and her husband because they are Chinese.
The incident, which was later shared on TikTok, sparked heated discussion online, with many criticising the driver’s behaviour while others argued that Chinese people should be able to speak Mandarin.
‘I don’t speak English with Chinese people’
According to media reports, the woman, identified as Alicia, booked an e-hailing ride last Saturday (Apr 5) with her husband.
After entering the car, Alicia noticed a sign attached behind the driver’s seat which read:
Chinese passengers please speak Chinese. I do not speak English to Chinese people. Sorry!”
The sign, unsurprisingly, left Alicia stunned.
Husband questions if he was “Chinese enough”
Alicia shared that although she can speak Chinese, her husband, who is ethnically Chinese, grew up primarily speaking English and Cantonese but is unable to read Chinese characters.
After she translated the sign for him, he reportedly asked, “So am I considered Chinese or not?”, a question she said left her unsure how to respond.
Alicia clarified that she has no issue with Chinese people speaking Chinese and even encourages others to learn the language to better understand their roots and culture.
However, she stressed that such encouragement should come from support rather than ridicule, as mocking or pressuring others over their language ability may only alienate those trying to learn.
A complaint has since been lodged with the e-hailing platform over the matter.
Platform suspends driver
When queried over the incident, the e-hailing company said it has a zero-tolerance policy towards discriminatory behaviour of any kind.
It added that the driver has been suspended pending an investigation, and his status will only be considered for reinstatement after the sign is removed and has undergone further guidance to ensure compliance with company standards.
